'Secret VIP paths' through the airport, Porsche courtesy cars and food with 'zero faults': Travel experts pit Air France's 'La Premiere' first-class cabin against its new business class on flights to New York and Dubai

Secret VIP paths through the airport, Porsche courtesy cars that take passengers to the aircraft, giant armchair-style seats and caviar nibbles.

Travel expert Nicky Kelvin, from The Points Guy, reveals in a spellbinding video what it’s like to travel from Paris to Dubai in Air France’s top-tier first-class cabin – La Premiere.

And it’s quite something.

In the YouTube video, his colleague Liam Spencer offers an intriguing comparison, with a review of Air France’s newest business-class seat on an A350 flight to New York.

He declares that it’s one of the best business-class flights he’s ever taken. And he knows a thing or two about business-class flights. Read on for the full verdicts and watch the trailer video – presented above.

BUSINESS CLASS – PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT TO NEWARK LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL. TYPICAL COST ONE-WAY - £3,404/$4,351

Liam told MailOnline Travel that overall, his Air France business-class experience was ‘great’.

And right from the get-go.

He said: ‘The business check-in was pretty swanky, the lounge had tons of seating and food options, and overall was a perfect place to relax before a flight.’

Onboard, Air France continued to impress, with his seat a substantial slice of real estate.

Liam continued: ‘I had a lovely big window seat with a lot of space to myself.

‘The seat itself was very comfy and had a lovely, fresh blue design to it. I had a ton of space and a super-wide seat, adjustable armrest, and a super-convenient, modern tablet, which is designed for ordering food, changing the seat and controlling the entertainment.

‘My space came with an adjustable reading light and vanity mirror, which were lovely additions. I also received some very nice headphones and a lovely glass of Champagne, which is always a very nice touch. My entertainment screen was absolutely huge and very responsive.’

In addition, Liam received ‘a soft, large, fluffy pillow… a soft duvet’ and a ‘nice’ amenity kit with ‘a sleep mask, flight socks, pen, eco-friendly toothbrush, moisturiser and Clarins beauty balm’.

Air France also nailed the food and drink offering.

Liam said: ‘Air France passengers can order their meal before the flight. The menu had many options to choose from. The way the food was displayed made the dining experience feel more like a first-class experience than a business-class experience. Additionally, the food itself was delicious with zero faults.’

The Points Guy travel guru then tested the seat in bed mode and found it was ‘super comfortable’.

And in conclusion?

Liam said: ‘A great business-class flight, right up there with the best business-class flights I have ever taken. Really competing with the likes of Qatar’s Qsuite in terms of luxury, space, food – it really had it all.’

FIRST CLASS - PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT TO DUBAI. TYPICAL COST ONE-WAY - £4,443/$5,680

Nicky revealed that he was ‘blown away’ by Air France’s La Premiere experience.

It all began with an exceptional welcome.

He told MailOnline Travel: ‘I received such a special welcome at the door. They took me straight to the La Premiere entrance. Checking in was one of the most seamless and stunning experiences I have had.

‘The lounge really blew me away. It had chic lighting and even a Sisley Spa. It had everything you could want with a quiet and exclusive atmosphere. Once my flight was ready to board, I was directed to a private Porsche, ready to take me straight to the aircraft.’

Once onboard, Nicky continued to be delighted.

He said: ‘The ground experience was amazing, but the seating was truly next level.

‘There is just one row of first-class La Premiere, with giant armchair-styled seats. I just couldn’t believe how much space there was.

‘The seats fold out into huge, wide, full-flat beds. My seat also came with a curtain that closed off my section, floor to ceiling, so it feels incredibly private when shut off.

‘The seat also came with a large sturdy table and a massive screen for a range of entertainment.

‘One feature that I really loved was a gorgeous lamp that featured the hippocampe seahorse, the motif of Air France. These small touches add an extra touch of class that you don’t usually find on a normal flight.

‘Furthermore, the seat included an additional privacy divider, fluffy pillow, very chic slippers, and a signature red, Air France blanket.’

What about the amenity kit? Luxury? You bet.

Nicky said: ‘La Premier passengers are also given a beautiful kit, which included an eye mask, pen, earplugs, comb, and a variety of Sisley products. I also received some lovely pyjamas.’

The food and drink offering, meanwhile, was mouthwatering.

Nicky continued: ‘With La Premiere, it is dine on demand, so you can choose to dine whenever you want. There was such a huge range of options from caviar to Champagne, and from soup to cheese, salads, and desserts. I tried as much as I could. I ate super-luxe dishes, including caviar to start my meal, which made the experience very special. This dining experience was heaven. The food was delicious and super luxurious.’

Was the seat dreamy in lie-flat mode?

Nicky said: ‘This was one of the most wide, comfortable, and spacious beds in the sky. With a soft mattress underneath, fully flat, and amazing.’

And in conclusion? We’re guessing it’s a thumbs up…

Nicky confirmed: ‘I was so blown away by this experience. The ground experience in Paris was next level, the lounge was chic, the food was amazing and there were tons of quirks that made the experience so special for me.

‘Features like the Sisley lounge and the Porsche to the plane were next level. On the flight, the service was also so friendly, so fun and absolutely top-notch from all the crew I encountered.’

For more from The Points Guy visit thepointsguy.com/uk-travel. For more from Nicky visit his Instagram account - www.instagram.com/nickykelvin. Liam posts on Instagram to this profile - www.instagram.com/liam_spencer.